About this experience
In the center of Gauja National Park lies the cozy town of Cesis - the former capital of the Livonian Order. Here you will explore the Old and New castles, walk along the fortress walls, enjoy the nature in the picturesque park. In the surrounding areas, we will visit the ancestral estates of ancient German families - I will tell you about their history and the conquest of Latvia by the crusaders.
What to expect
The first castle
From Riga, we will head to the village of Straupe. Here we will visit the Rosen barons' castle - it has been owned by this dynasty for 700 years. I will tell you about their origins, how they are connected to Russian history, and about the castle construction.
We will also visit the 16th-century church: at the altar, there is a tombstone with an image of Baron Rosen in armor - you will hear an interesting legend associated with him. Admire the graceful stained glass windows, and if you can play the piano - try playing the organ!
Ornate manor
Later, we will visit the Ungurmuiža manor - the ancestral estate of the Campenhausen barons. It is a gem of wooden Baroque in Latvia; in the house, you will see old paintings and hear about the amazing fate of its first owner, Balthasar, who fought under the command of Peter I.
Surrounded by Gauja National Park, we will walk among old oaks: all that's missing is a golden chain - they are so picturesque. We will stroll through the linden alleys, which are over two hundred years old, and explore a small regular park surrounded by a ring of ponds.
A town with two castles
Cesis, perched on the steep bank of the Gauja River, has preserved parts of the fortress walls: behind them is the 18-19th-century development, with no house older than 1914. We will walk through the streets of the Old Town, admire the Church of St. John with its carved altar. In one of the parks, you will meet black swans, in another - picturesque ruins of Venden Castle. And in the new castle, you will explore the exhibits of the local history museum and see how the city's owners, the Sievers, lived.
Organizational details
- The excursion is conducted if there are at least 2 people signed up for it. Please inquire before paying for the order whether the excursion will take place.
- The excursion starts in Riga
Additional expenses:
- Transfer - €30 per person
- Donation at Straupe church - €5 if there are 2 participants; €3 if there are more
- Donation at the Church of St. John in Cesis - €1
- Visit to the castle in Straupe (optional) - €4 adults; €2 students, seniors;
- Visit to the Ungurmuiža manor - €4 adults; €2 students, students, seniors; €9 families (2 adults with children up to 16 years old)
- Visit to the castle complex in Cesis - €8 adults, €4.50 students, seniors; €16 families (2 adults with children up to 16 years old)
